Munich | Germany : A Quick Guide to Planning Your Adventure

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Check out Ally’s travel guide to Munich.

Germany is one of those places that will always have a special place in my heart! I was lucky enough to call it home for several years, so when I go back it still has that feeling of home to me. I grew up as an Army kid. My dad was an officer in the U.S. Army for 28 years. We were very fortunate to be stationed in Vilseck, Germany, from 2006-2009. I graduated from high school in the summer of 2009 and went back to the states for college, however my family moved to Hohenfels, Germany, for an additional 2 years. I was able to go back and forth between Germany and the states which was so exciting. We lived in a couple very small towns when stationed overseas, but Munich has always been one of my favorite places in Germany!

Don’t miss it

Marienplatz is definitely a must-do when you are in Munich! It is the central square in the Alt Stadt and there are tons of fun things to do and see in this area. The Rathaus (Town Hall) is located In the Marienplatz, as well as the famous Glockenspiel clock tower. Also, be sure to check out the old town gates. In addition to these sites there is some amazing shopping and tons of great restaurants. In the winter months leading up to Christmas there is a Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) in Marienplatz. Little shacks selling Christmas ornaments, Gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and Lebkuchen (spiced German cake similar to ginger bread) fill the town square. Be sure to check it out if you are there the right time of year!

Pretty cool

Experience Oktoberfest!!! As I mentioned, we were in Munich for the opening weekend of Oktoberfest. Neither myself or Elizabeth had been before so we planned that section of our trip specifically so we could make it to Oktoberfest. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! If you are visiting during Oktoberfest I definitely recommend you go. Delicious beer, traditional German music and everyone dressed in dirndls and lederhosen….you just can’t beat that kind of party! Another cool thing to do is take a day trip out to Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s only about a 1.5 hour drive, and it’s beautiful to see some of Germany’s country side and mountains. Be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time on their website so you can skip the long lines! Also, wear comfy shoes as you’ll be doing lots of walking.

Must try food/drink

Germany as a country is well know for their love of beer and Munich is the prime city to experience Germany’s drinking culture. Make sure you visit the Hofbrauhaus for a liter stein of any of their delicious brews. My personal fav is the Hofbrauhaus Original, a light refreshing brew. If beer isn’t really your favorite drink try a radler, beer mixed with lemonade. I know, I know, sounds weird but I promise it’s delicious!! They also have a great menu offering traditional Bavarian fare. My go to is always Bratwurst mit senf und brot (Bratwurst with mustard and a bread roll). I also highly recommend the Wiener schnitzel…pounded, breaded and fried pork. It’s usually served with a slice of lemon and potato salad for a side. You really can’t go wrong with any German dish though…it’s all scrumptious!

Here’s a hint

Transportation in Munich (and all of Germany really!) is very easy to use. Take full advantage of the U-bahn (underground train) to get from one side of the city to the other. The Alt Stadt is very walk able though. Also, make sure you travel with plenty of Euros when in Germany. May restaurants don’t take credit cards, and if they do, they only accept German cards. Be prepared!

Wish I had more time for

I definitely wish we had time to check out the Munich Residenz. Located in the north-eastern corner of the city, this place was once inhabited by Bavaria Dukes, Kings and Queens. It is a beautifully ornate residence with several courtyards making up a lot of the property.

Accommodations

Munich has tons of amazing hotels right in the city center that make the perfect home base for your stay. However, we arrived in Munich during the opening weekend of Oktoberfest, so hotels were mostly booked and VERY pricey. We opted for an Airbnb for our stay. It was still quite expensive simply because of the timing of our visit, but in the off-season there are several affordable Airbnb options so I highly recommend it! We rented out an entire apartment not too far from Alt Stadt (the old city center). Public transportation was close by and very easy to use so it was the perfect location. It was clean, homey and had a full kitchen which we were able to take full advantage of. Cooking our own meals in the apartment was a great way to save money since we spent quite a bit on the actual apartment rental. We stayed in a beautiful airbnb apartment during our time in Munich!